Uniformly Expandable Stent

ABSTRACT

An intraluminal prosthesis includes a stent architecture having a series of stent elements repeating along a circumferential axis. One series of stent elements includes v-shaped stent elements having at least four different orientations, and V-shaped stent elements connecting adjacent v-shaped stent elements. One series of stent elements includes R-shaped stent elements having at least four different orientations, and U-shaped stent elements having at least two different orientations, the U-shaped stent elements connecting adjacent R-shaped stent elements. Adjacent series of stent elements can be connected by connectors. Portions of the stent elements may narrow in width along a length thereof. The stent architecture may include radiopaque element receiving members. The stent architecture may be formed by machining a metal or polymer tube. The intraluminal prosthesis may include one or more graft layers.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of priority to the following threeapplications, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entiretyinto this application: 1) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/646,806,filed May 14, 2012; 2) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/678,485,filed Aug. 1, 2012; and 3) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/708,445,filed Oct. 1, 2012.

BACKGROUND

Intraluminal prostheses used to maintain, open, or dilate blood vesselsare commonly known as stents. Stents have been developed for use invarious lumens of the body, including, for example, the biliary tree,venous system, peripheral arteries, and coronary arteries. Stentconstructions generally include cylindrical frames that define aplurality of openings.

There are two broad classes of stents: self-expanding stents and balloonexpandable stents. Self-expanding stents are typically characterized byintraluminal expansion when a constraining force is removed, such as anouter sheath of a stent delivery system, and/or in the presence of anelevated temperature (due to material properties thereof).Self-expanding stents are generally loaded into a stent delivery systemby collapsing the stent from an expanded configuration at a first largerdiameter to a collapsed configuration at a second smaller diameter.Balloon expandable stents are typically characterized by intraluminalexpansion via an inflation force, such as a balloon catheter. Balloonexpandable stents are generally loaded onto a balloon catheter through acrimping process to transition the stent to a collapsed configuration,and are plastically deformed when the balloon is inflated in the bodyvessel to the expanded configuration.

There are two basic architectures for stents, circumferential andhelical. Circumferential configurations generally include a series ofcylindrical rings, formed by a series of connected struts, joinedtogether by connecting elements or bridges along a longitudinal axis ofthe stent. Helical configurations include a continuous helical structurealong the longitudinal axis of the stent with adjacent windings, formedby a series of connected struts, connected by one or more connectingelements or bridges.

Stents for use in the arterial and venous systems can be made bymachining a pattern of struts and connecting elements from a metal tube,typically by laser machining the pattern into the tube. The pattern ofstruts and connecting elements can be configured depending on thedesired attributes. For example, the pattern can be configured toenhance flexibility or bendability. The pattern can also be configuredto ensure uniform expansion and prevent foreshortening of the stent uponintraluminal expansion.

Synthetic vascular grafts are routinely used to restore the blood flowin patients suffering from vascular diseases. For example, prostheticgrafts made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) are commonlyused and have shown favorable patency rates, meaning that depending on agiven time period, the graft maintains an open lumen for the flow ofblood therethrough. Grafts formed of ePTFE include a microstructurecharacterized by spaced apart nodes connected by fibrils, the distancebetween the nodes defined as internodal distance (IND), and aregenerally extruded either as a tube or as a sheet or film that isfashioned into a tube. Grafts can also be created from fibers woven orknitted into a generally tubular shape. Stents may be fully or partiallycovered with a graft material, such as ePTFE, on the stent's luminalsurface, abluminal surface or both luminal and abluminal surfaces.

Stents may include image enhancing features so that they can be viewedfluoroscopically following intraluminal deployment. Examples of suchfeatures include radiopaque markers attached to the stent or integralwith the stent, or attached to the one or more graft layers associatedwith the stent. The image enhancing features generally include amaterial that is highly visible under fluoroscopy, such as gold,platinum, tantalum, and alloys thereof.

SUMMARY

Intraluminal prostheses including stent architectures are describedherein. In one embodiment, a stent architecture includes a series ofstent elements repeating along a circumferential axis, the stentelements including v-shaped stent elements having a first leg portion, asecond leg portion, and a peak portion, the v-shaped stent elementshaving at least four different orientations, and V-shaped stent elementsconnecting adjacent v-shaped stent elements such that the second legportion of each of the v-shaped stent elements is connected to aV-shaped element, the second leg portion of each of the v-shaped stentelements narrowing in width toward the V-shaped stent element. In oneembodiment, the first leg portion of each of the v-shaped stent elementsis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stent architecture. In oneembodiment, the stent architecture includes a plurality of series ofstent elements, adjacent series of stent elements connected by aplurality of connectors. In one embodiment, the plurality of connectorsare straight and connect peak portions of select v-shaped stent elementsof adjacent series of stent elements. In one embodiment, the connectorshave a width equal to a width of the first leg portion of the v-shapedstent elements.

In one embodiment, the peak portion of a first orientation of thev-shaped stent element is longitudinally spaced a distance from the peakportion of a second orientation of the v-shaped stent element, whereinthe first orientation and second orientation are adjacent to oneanother. In one embodiment, the v-shaped stent elements has fourorientations and the peak portion of each of the four orientations ofthe v-shaped stent element is longitudinally spaced a distance from thepeak portion of its adjacent v-shaped stent element. In one embodiment,the distance is in the range from about 0.005 inch to about 0.035 inch.

In one embodiment, the adjacent series of v-shaped and V-shaped stentelements are connected by a plurality of connectors. In one embodiment,the connectors include a radius of curvature and are generally curved.In one embodiment, the curved connectors have a first orientation and asecond orientation opposite of the first orientation. In one embodiment,the first orientation of the curved connectors are aligned along aconnector circumferential axis, and the second orientation of curvedconnectors are aligned along an adjacent connector circumferential axis,the aligned first orientation of the curved connectors and alignedsecond orientation of the curved connectors alternating along alongitudinal axis of the stent architecture. In one embodiment, thefirst orientation of the curved connectors and second orientation of thecurved connectors alternate along each circumferential axis. In oneembodiment, the curved connectors have a width less than any width ofthe v-shaped stent elements and the V-shaped stent elements.

In one embodiment, the stent architecture includes zig-zag ringsattached to a proximal end and a distal end thereof.

In one embodiment, a stent architecture includes a plurality of zig-zagrings, each ring including a series of stent elements repeating along acircumferential axis, the stent elements including first, second, third,and fourth stent elements connected by first, second, third, and fourthpeak portions, adjacent zig-zag rings connected by a plurality ofconnectors to form stent cells, the stent cells along a circumferentialaxis having the same shape, the shape of the stent cells along a firstcircumferential axis different from the shape of the stent cells alongan adjacent second circumferential axis. In one embodiment, the stentelements of a first zig-zag ring are a minor image of the stent elementsof a second adjacent zig-zag ring.

In one embodiment, a stent architecture having a plurality of stentcells, including a series of stent elements repeating along acircumferential axis, the stent elements including R-shaped stentelements having at least four different orientations, the R-shaped stentelements having at least a first straight portion, and U-shaped stentelements having at least two different orientations, the U-shaped stentelements connecting adjacent R-shaped stent elements such that the firststraight portion of each of the R-shaped stent elements is connected toa U-shaped stent element, the first straight portion of each of theR-shaped stent elements narrowing in width toward the U-shaped stentelement. In one embodiment, the R-shaped stent elements include at leastfirst, second, third and fourth curved radius portions. In oneembodiment, the plurality of stent cells includes a first stent cell anda second stent cell different from the first stent cell, the first andsecond stent cells alternating along the circumferential axis.

In one embodiment, the R-shaped stent elements include a first R-shapedstent element in a first orientation, a second R-shaped stent element ina second orientation different from the first orientation, a thirdR-shaped stent element oriented in a third orientation different fromthe first and second orientations, and a fourth R-shaped stent elementin a fourth orientation different from the first, second, and thirdorientations. In one embodiment, the U-shaped stent elements include afirst U-shaped stent element in a first orientation and a secondU-shaped stent element oriented in a second orientation different fromthe first orientation. In one embodiment, the first R-shaped stentelement is connected to the second U-shaped stent element and the secondR-shaped stent element, wherein the second R-shaped stent element isconnected to the first R-shaped stent element and the first U-shapedstent element, wherein the first U-shaped stent element is connected tothe second R-shaped stent element and the third R-shaped stent element,wherein the third R-shaped stent element is connected to the firstU-shaped stent element and the fourth R-shaped stent element, andwherein the fourth R-shaped stent element is connected to the thirdR-shaped stent element and the second U-shaped stent element.

In one embodiment, the stent architecture includes a plurality ofconnectors connecting adjacent series of stent elements. In oneembodiment, the adjacent series of stent elements and the connectorsdefine stent cells. In one embodiment, a first stent cell pattern and asecond stent cell pattern alternate along a circumferential axis. In oneembodiment, the first and second stent cell patterns are longitudinallyoffset along a longitudinal axis of the stent architecture.

In one embodiment, the connectors connect the first R-shaped stentelement in a first series of stent elements to the third R-shaped stentelement in a second adjacent series of stent elements. In oneembodiment, the connectors further connect the fourth R-shaped stentelement in the first series of stent elements to the second R-shapedstent element in the second adjacent series of stent elements. In oneembodiment, the plurality of connectors are attached to one of a first,second, third, and fourth curved radius portions of the R-shaped stentelements. In one embodiment, the connectors connect the first U-shapedstent element in the first series of stent elements to the secondU-shaped stent element in the second adjacent series of stent elements.

In one embodiment, the connectors connecting the R-shaped stent elementsinclude a radius of curvature and are generally curved. In oneembodiment, the curved connectors have a first orientation and a secondorientation opposite of the first orientation. In one embodiment, thefirst orientation of the curved connector is convex and the secondorientation of the curved connector is concave for a given perspective.In one embodiment, the first orientation of the curved connectors arealigned along a connector circumferential axis, and the secondorientation of curved connectors are aligned along an adjacent connectorcircumferential axis, the aligned first orientation of the curvedconnectors and aligned second orientation of the curved connectorsalternating along a longitudinal axis of the stent architecture. In oneembodiment, the first orientation of the curved connectors and secondorientation of the curved connectors alternate along eachcircumferential axis. In one embodiment, the connectors connecting theR-shaped stent elements are straight. In one embodiment the connectorsat the ends of the stent architecture are curved and the connectors inthe middle of the stent architecture are straight.

In one embodiment, the straight connectors connect the first U-shapedstent element in the first series of stent elements to the secondU-shaped stent element in the second adjacent series of stent elements.

In one embodiment, the stent architecture includes receiving membersextending from one or both ends. In one embodiment, the receivingmembers are shaped to receive a radiopaque element. In one embodiment,the receiving members include a post portion and an enlarged portion. Inone embodiment, the receiving members include a bore or opening sized toreceive a radiopaque element therein.

In one embodiment, a stent architecture includes a plurality of stentcells, the stent cells including a series of stent elements repeatingalong a circumferential axis, the stent elements including R-shapedstent elements having at least a first straight portion, and U-shapedstent elements connecting adjacent R-shaped stent elements such that thefirst straight portion of each of the R-shaped stent elements isconnected to a U-shaped element, the first straight portion of each ofthe R-shaped stent elements narrowing in width toward the U-shaped stentelement. In one embodiment, the plurality of stent cells includes afirst stent cell and a second stent cell different from the first stentcell, the first and second stent cells alternating along thecircumferential axis.

In one embodiment, an intraluminal prosthesis includes a stentarchitecture formed by machining a tube, the stent architecture having aplurality of stent cells with a plurality of connectors connecting thestent cells, the stent cells including a series of stent elementsrepeating along a circumferential axis, the stent elements includingR-shaped stent elements having at least first, second, third and fourthcurved radius portions, the R-shaped stent elements having at least fourdifferent orientations, and U-shaped stent elements having at least twodifferent orientations, the U-shaped stent elements connecting selectadjacent R-shaped stent elements. In one embodiment, the R-shaped stentelements include a first R-shaped stent element in a first orientation,a second R-shaped stent element in a second orientation different fromthe first orientation, a third R-shaped stent element oriented in athird orientation different from the first and second orientations, anda fourth R-shaped stent element in a fourth orientation different fromthe first, second, and third orientations. In one embodiment, theU-shaped stent elements include a first U-shaped stent element in afirst orientation and a second U-shaped stent element oriented in asecond orientation different from the first orientation. In oneembodiment, the first R-shaped stent element is connected to the secondU-shaped stent element and the second R-shaped stent element, whereinthe second R-shaped stent element is connected to the first R-shapedstent element and the first U-shaped stent element, wherein the firstU-shaped stent element is connected to the second R-shaped stent elementand the third R-shaped stent element, wherein the third R-shaped stentelement is connected to the first U-shaped stent element and the fourthR-shaped stent element, and wherein the fourth R-shaped stent element isconnected to the third R-shaped stent element and the second U-shapedstent element. In one embodiment, each R-shaped stent element includesat least a first straight portion that narrows in width toward theconnected U-shaped stent element.

The stent architectures according to embodiments described herein mayinclude a covering. In one embodiment, the covering includes one or moregraft layers attached to the stent architecture. In one embodiment, theone or more graft layers include an inner expanded polyfluoroethylene(ePTFE) graft layer and an outer ePTFE graft layer. In one embodiment,the inner ePTFE graft layer and the outer ePTFE graft layer arepositioned over the stent architecture as extruded tubes of unsinteredePTFE, and are sintered together through openings in the stent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 1A in an as-cutconfiguration.

FIG. 1C is a flat view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 1A indicatingvarious dimensions.

FIG. 2A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 2A in an as-cutconfiguration.

FIG. 3A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 1A in an as-cutconfiguration.

FIG. 3C is a front view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 3A in acollapsed configuration.

FIG. 4A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 4B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 4A in an as-cutconfiguration.

FIG. 4C is a top view of a stent embodiment in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 5A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 5A in an as-cutconfiguration.

FIG. 5C is a top view of a stent embodiment in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 6A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 6B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 6A in an as-cutconfiguration.

FIG. 6C is a flat view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 6A indicatingvarious dimensions.

FIG. 6D is a front view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 6A in acollapsed configuration.

FIG. 7A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 7A in an as-cutconfiguration.

FIG. 7C is a flat view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 7A indicatingvarious dimensions.

FIG. 7D is an isometric view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 7A in anas-cut configuration.

FIG. 8A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 8B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 8A in an as-cutconfiguration.

FIG. 9A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 9B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 9A in an as-cutconfiguration.

FIG. 9C is a flat view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 9A indicatingvarious dimensions.

FIG. 10A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 10B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 10A in an as-cutconfiguration.

FIG. 11A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 11B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 10A in an as-cutconfiguration.

DESCRIPTION

The following description and accompanying figures, which describe andshow certain embodiments, are made to demonstrate, in a non-limitingmanner, several possible configurations of an expandable stent frameaccording to various aspects and features of the present disclosure. Thepatterns shown and described herein may be incorporated into anyintraluminal prosthesis, such as a self-expanding stent or a balloonexpandable stent, without limitation. In one embodiment, the patternsdisclosed herein may be machined (e.g., laser machined) into a seamlesstube of metal or polymer. Non-limiting examples of potential metal tubesinclude stainless steel (e.g., AISI 316 SS), titanium, cobalt-chromiumalloys, and nickel titanium (nitinol). In other embodiments, thepatterns disclosed herein may be formed into a sheet of metal or polymerthat is rolled into a tubular shape. The tubes or sheets may beheat-treated prior to machining the pattern therein, and the machinedtubes or sheets may be annealed and/or electro-polished. Other knownpre-processing and post-processing methods are also contemplated herein.

As used herein, the term “stent architecture” means the various featuresof the stent that contribute to its form, including the pattern in thestent wall. The term “stent cell” means a portion of the pattern in thestent wall that may be repeating along a circumferential and/orlongitudinal path.

The stents described herein may be covered by one or more graft layers.The presence of a graft layer on the luminal surface and/or abluminalsurface of a stent may influence the design of the stent architecture.For example, the expansion behavior of the stent may be tailored toavoid tearing or ripping of the graft material during deployment. It hasbeen observed that the greater the uniformity of stent expansion, thefewer issues with graft tearing, detachment, etc. Another considerationthat may influence the design of the stent architecture includeexcessive foreshortening of the stent during expansion from a collapseddelivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration, which canlead to inaccurate stent deployment. Still other considerations includeflexibility of the stent and patency of the stent in vivo, and minimalprofile of the stent in the collapsed delivery configuration.

In certain embodiments described herein, the stent architecture isdesigned to prevent excessive foreshortening (i.e., the stent getsshorter as it transitions from the collapsed configuration to theexpanded configuration), which can lead to inaccurate stent deploymentin a body vessel, and to ensure uniform radial expansion. For example,it has been discovered that narrowing of the strut width at strategiclocations in a given stent cell promotes uniform expansion of the stentcell.

Intraluminal prostheses described herein may include stents encapsulatedby a graft material, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,880 and U.S.Pat. No. 6,124,523, each of which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety into this application. In one embodiment, an inner ePTFE graftlayer is positioned over a mandrel. In one embodiment, the inner ePTFEgraft layer placed over the mandrel is an extruded tube of unsinteredePTFE. The stent is placed over the inner ePTFE graft layer so that theluminal (inner) surface of the stent contacts the inner ePTFE graftlayer, and an outer ePTFE graft layer is positioned over the abluminal(outer) surface of the stent. In one embodiment, the outer ePTFE graftlayer placed over the stent is also an extruded tube of unsinteredePTFE. In one embodiment the inner and outer ePTFE graft layers areextruded at their encapsulation diameters (i.e., neither are radiallymanipulated prior to encapsulation). In one embodiment, theencapsulation diameters are about 4 mm. In one embodiment, the stent isfully encapsulated along its length such that both proximal and distalends of the stent are covered by ePTFE graft material. In oneembodiment, the stent is encapsulated at a diameter slightly smallerthan the as-cut diameter but larger than the collapsed deliverydiameter.

One or more PTFE tape layers may then be wrapped over the outer ePTFEgraft layer, and the assembly is placed in a heating device, such as anoven, to sinter the inner and outer ePTFE graft layers together throughthe openings in the stent architecture. Following the sintering step,the PTFE tape layer(s) are removed and the stent-graft is crimped (inthe case of a balloon expandable stent) or collapsed (in the case of aself-expanding stent) into its collapsed configuration. In oneembodiment, the inner ePTFE graft layer and outer ePTFE graft layer havethe same microstructure and thickness. In one embodiment, themicrostructure includes a uniaxial fibril orientation. In oneembodiment, the inner and outer ePTFE graft layers have an internodaldistance (IND) in the range from about 10 μm to about 40 μm. In oneembodiment, each of the inner and outer ePTFE graft layers has athickness in the range from about 0.07 mm to about 0.13 mm. In oneembodiment, each of the inner and outer ePTFE graft layers each has athickness in the range from about 0.10 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably about0.14 mm.

In one embodiment, the stent-graft assembly may be reinforced with amiddle ePTFE graft layer, including spaced apart rings or strips ofePTFE of about 2 mm wide positioned at the proximal end of thestent-graft, the center of the stent-graft, and the distal end of thestent-graft. The middle ePTFE graft layer may be sintered ePTFEmaterial. Examples of interlayer members are described in U.S. Pat.entNo. 6,451,047, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety intothis application. The middle ePTFE graft layer may have the same nodealignment as the inner and outer ePTFE graft layers or may be differenttherefrom, for example perpendicular or at a 45° angle.

The drawings herein indicated as showing the various stents in anexpanded configuration are laid flat depictions of the stents followingformation of the pattern, for example by laser machining a tube ofpolymer or metal material. This is one possible expanded configurationshown for ease of reference. It should be appreciated that, depending onthe size of the vessel in which the stents described herein is inserted,the stent could be expanded to a diameter larger than the diameterdepicted, which would slightly alter the shape and/or relationship ofstent elements and/or connectors to one another (e.g., aspects of thestent that are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stent may beoblique at larger expanded diameters). The drawings indicated as showingthe various stents in an as-cut configuration are top views of the stentfollowing formation thereof, for example, by laser machining a metal orpolymer tube. In one embodiment, the stent architectures and patternsdescribed herein are formed in a tube having a diameter of about 4.8 mm.In one embodiment, the stent architectures and patterns described hereinare formed in a tube having a diameter of about 6.4 mm. Of course, theseare non-limiting examples of tube diameters, as a wide range of tubediameters are contemplated herein. In general, the tube diameter will beselected based on the target vessel diameter for which the stent isintended to be placed (e.g., larger tube diameters will be selected forlarger target vessels). The stent embodiments described herein may havea longitudinal length from a proximal end to a distal end, indicated ase in the figures, in the range from about 15 mm to about 70 mm, althoughshorter and longer lengths are also contemplated without limitation,depending on the particular stent application.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-C, a first stent architecture 10 is shown,including a sequentially repeating pattern of stent cells 12 and 14aligned along a series of circumferential axes perpendicular to alongitudinal axis L. Any number of circumferential axes along which thepattern of stent cells is arranged is possible, depending on variousstent dimensional features including, for example, overall stent length,stent cell length, connector length, etc. The stent cells 12 and 14 areformed by stent elements described herein according to the letterresemblance thereof, the stent elements repeating along thecircumferential axes. According to one embodiment, the R-shaped stentelements are similar or identical to those described in U.S. Pat. No.6,821,292, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into thisapplication.

Beginning from the top left side of FIG. 1A, a repeating series of stentelements is shown along a first side 16 of the stent cells 12 and 14,the stent elements including R shapes and U shapes, i.e., R-shaped stentelements and U-shaped stent elements. Generally, the R-shaped stentelements include a first straight portion s₁, followed by a first curvedradius portion r₁, followed by a second curved radius portion r₂,followed by a third curved radius portion r₃, followed by a fourthcurved radius portion r₄, followed by a second straight portion s₂.Generally, the U-shaped stent elements include a curved radius portionr₅. Stent element R₁ is connected to stent element R₂, which isconnected to stent element U₁, which is connected to stent element R₃,which is connected to stent element R₄, which is connected to stentelement U₂, which is connected to stent element R₁. The stent elementsR₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ are similar in shape but are oriented differently fromone another with respect to a circumferential axis and/or a longitudinalaxis. The stent elements U₁ and U₂ are facing in opposite directionswith respect to a circumferential axis. The same repeating series ofstent elements (arranged identically with respect to the circumferentialaxis A₁ and longitudinal axis L) proceeds along a second side 18 of thestent cells 12 and 14, but is offset such that the sequence begins withstent element R₃ which is directly adjacent R₁ of the series along thefirst side 16. Thus, beginning from the top of FIG. 1A along second side18, the series of stent elements is R₃, R₄, U₂, R₁, R₂, U₁, R₃, etc.

The first side 16 is connected to the second side 18 via connectors C₁and C₂ that each include a curved radius portion r₆. Stent element R₁ ofthe first side 16 is connected to stent element R₃ of the second side byconnector C₁. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-C, connector C₁ isattached to stent elements R₁ and R₃ at about the second radius portionr₂ and is oriented to be convex with respect to stent cell 12 andconcave with respect to stent cell 14. Stent element R₄ of the firstside 16 is connected to stent element R₂ of the second side 18 byconnector C₂ also at about the second radius portion r₂ of each stentelement R₄ and R₂, connector C₂ oriented oppositely with respect toconnector C₁ such that connector C₂ is also convex with respect to stentcell 12 and concave with respect to stent cell 14. In other embodiments,the connectors along a given circumferential axis may be only C₁connectors or C₂ connectors (e.g., see FIG. 2) such that all connectorsare oriented in the same direction.

Beginning from the left side of FIG. 1A and moving toward the right sideof FIG. 1A along the longitudinal axis L, stent cells 12 and 14 alongcircumferential axis A₁ are connected to stent cells 12 and 14 alongcircumferential axis A₃ by connectors C₁ and C₂. More specifically,adjacent stent cells 14 are connected by C₂ at stent elements R₄ and R₂and by C₁ at stent elements R₁ and R₃ to thereby form a stent cell 12therebetween. Accordingly, the same stent cell pattern ofcircumferential axes A₁ and A₃ is formed along axis A₂ offset by onestent cell with respect therewith. It is also noted that the same offsetrepeating pattern is observed along adjacent longitudinal axes. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-C, the length of stent cells 12 and 14(i.e., measured from one point on the longitudinal axis L to a differentpoint on the longitudinal axis L) along circumferential axes A₁, A₂, A₃,etc. are the same along the length 1 of the stent 10. However, it iscontemplated for other embodiments that the length of stent cells 12and/or 14 along a given circumferential axis are longer or shorter thanthose of an adjacent circumferential axis. For example, in oneembodiment, the length of the stent cells 12 and 14 are longer at theends of the stent and shorter in the middle regions of the stent. Such aconfiguration provides a stiffer middle and softer ends to facilitate acertain desired expansion pattern. In the same way, although the heightof stent cells 12 and 14 (i.e., measured from one point on acircumferential axis to a different point on the circumferential axis)along circumferential axes A₁, A₂, A₃, etc. are the same, it iscontemplated that the height of stent cells 12 and 14 could vary along agiven circumferential axis or could vary with respect to adjacentcircumferential axes.

FIG. 1B is a top view of stent 10. In one embodiment, stent 10 isproduced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form thestent architecture. In one embodiment, the tube has a thickness of about0.0075 inch and a diameter of about 5 mm. In an embodiment in whichstent 10 is covered by one or more graft layers, stent 10 can beexpanded to a larger diameter for covering with the graft layer(s), canbe covered with the graft layer(s) at the as-cut diameter, or can becrimped to a smaller diameter for covering with the graft layer(s),following post processing steps such as, for example, electro-polishing.The foregoing embodiments are equally applicable to each of the stentarchitectures described herein.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-C, the width of selected stent elements isnarrowed to promote uniform expansion of the stent. As discussed above,such uniform expansion is preferable, for example, for stents covered bygraft material to avoid tearing or deformation of the graft materialupon deployment. In other embodiments, the thickness of selected stentelements is reduced instead of, or in conjunction with, the narrowing ofthe width thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-C, the width ofthe first straight portion s₁ of each stent element R₁-R₄ of stent 10tapers or narrows toward the respective stent elements U₁ and U₂. Inother embodiments, the first straight portions s₁ of only selected stentelements R₁-R₄ taper or narrow. In still other embodiments, differentportions of the R-shaped elements may have a wider or narrower widththan other portions thereof.

In FIG. 1C, widths w₁-w₅ are shown at different locations on the strutcells. Width w₁ is at a section of stent element R₃, width w₂ is at asection of stent element U₂ (which in the embodiment shown is the samewidth at the corresponding section of stent element U₁), width w₃ is ata section of stent element R₂, width w₄ is at a section of connector C₁,and w₅ is at a section of stent element R₁. In the embodiment shown, thewidths at w₁, w₃, and w₅ are the same, the width at w₂ is less than thewidths of w₁, w₃, and w₅, and the width at w₄ is less than the width atw₂. The width of the straight portion s₁ of stent elements R₁-R₄ narrowsor tapers from the first curved radius portion r₁ thereof (e.g., widthw₅) to the stent elements U₁-U₂ (e.g., width w₂) connecting the stentelements R₁-R₄. In one embodiment, which could be used in a vesseldiameter of about 5 mm to about 10 mm (e.g., an illiac artery), thewidths of w₁, w₃ and w₅ are in the range from about 0.0050 inch to about0.0100 inch, for example about 0.0075 inch; the width at w₂ is in therange from about 0.0040 inch to about 0.0070 inch, for example about0.0055 inch; and the width at w4 is in the range from about 0.0025 inchto about 0.0055 inch, for example about 0.0035 inch. For smaller orlarger vessels, dimensions can be accordingly smaller or larger.

Also shown in FIG. 1C is the distance D₁ and D₂ of stent cell 14, whereD₁ is measured from the center of radius of the curved radius portion r₃of stent element R₃ to the center of radius of the curved radius portionr₅ of stent element U₂, and where D₂ is measured from the center ofradius of the curved radius portion r₅ of stent element U₁ to the centerof radius of the curved radius portion r₁ of stent element R₄. In theembodiment shown D₁ is equal to D₂, but in other embodiments D₁ could begreater than or less than D₂. In one embodiment the distances D₁ and D₂are in the range from about 0.030 inch to about 0.060 inch, for exampleabout 0.040 inch. Stent architectures with similar repeating stentelements and/or connectors, as described herein (e.g., stents 20, 30,40, 50), could have the same or similar dimensions as those described inconnection with stent 10.

Depending on the level of flexibility and bendability desired, thecurved connectors C₁ and C₂ could be thinner (e.g., more flexible) orthicker (e.g., less flexible). Depending on the expansioncharacteristics desired, the cross-section of the stent elements couldbe altered. For example, if the R-shaped stent elements and U-shapedstent elements have the same dimensions, the U-shaped stent elementswill naturally be more rigid; thus, to promote uniform expansion theU-shaped stent elements could be taller or thinner than the R-shapedstent elements. However, a taller U-shaped stent element could lead to alarger compressed profile, and therefore in the embodiment shown, theU-shaped stent elements have a width thinner than the R-shaped stentelements.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate stent 20 that has the same repeating stentelements R₁-R₄ and U₁-U₂ as stent 10; however, stent 20 differs fromstent 10 in at least the following ways. First, the connectors aresimilarly oriented along each circumferential axis, where alongodd-numbered circumferential axes A₁, A₃, etc. the connectors are C₂connectors, and where along even-numbered circumferential axes A₂, A₄,etc. the connectors are C₁ connectors. In other embodiments, theconnectors can be the same along one or more adjacent circumferentialaxes. In one embodiment, the widths of the stent elements R₁-R₄ andU₁-U₂, and the connectors C₁ and C₂ for stent 20 can be the same asdescribed above in connection with stent 10.

Second, stent 20 includes receiving members 22 extending from each ofthe opposing ends of the stent 20, the members 22 extending from eachend stent element U₂ of stent cells 12. The receiving members 22 includea post portion 24 and an enlarged portion 26 at the end of the member 22remote from the stent element U₂. In one embodiment, the enlargedportion 26 is sized to receive a radiopaque element, for example, aradiopaque element having a C-shape that fastens to the enlarged portion26. In other embodiments, the enlarged portion may include a bore oropening sized to receive a radiopaque element therein, as shown in FIGS.11A-B. In one embodiment, the width of the post portion 24 of thereceiving members 22 is about 0.0055 inch, and the width of the enlargedmember is about 0.0100. In one embodiment, the post portion 24 has acylindrical shape and the enlarged portion 26 has a spherical shape orother atraumatic shape to prevent injury to the insertion vessel. Asshown in FIGS. 2A-B, the receiving members 22 have a length such thatthe end thereof aligns circumferentially with the outermost end of thestent elements at each opposing end of stent 20. By aligning theoutermost ends of the stent elements and receiving members, in anembodiment including one or more graft layers, the graft layer(s) can bein the form of a tube without altering the ends thereof, the receivingmembers supporting the tubular ends of the graft layer(s) upon collapseand/or expansion of the stent. It is noted that the receiving members ofFIGS. 2A-B could be incorporated into any of the other stentarchitectures described herein.

FIG. 2B is a top view of stent 20. In one embodiment, stent 20 isproduced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form thestent architecture.

FIGS. 3A-C illustrate stent 30 that has the same repeating stentelements R₁-R₄ and U₁-U₂ as stent 10; however, stent 30 differs fromstent 10 with respect to the connectors between the stent cells 12 and14. Stent 30 includes straight connectors C₃, which connect stentelement R₁ to stent element R₃ and connect stent element R₂ to stentelement R₄ at about the second radius portion r₂. In other embodiments,the connector C₃ connects only stent elements R₁ and R₃ or R₂ and R₄ toprovide a more flexible architecture, for example such that there arethree connectors C₃ along a given circumferential axis rather than thesix connectors C₃ in stent 30. In one embodiment, the width ofconnectors C₃ are in the range of about 0.0050 inch to about 0.0100inch, for example about 0.0075 inch. It should be appreciated that thewidths and/or lengths of the connectors C₃ could vary along one or morecircumferential axes and/or along one or more longitudinal axes,depending on the desired characteristics. For example, the width may beincreased for a more rigid stent and decreased for a more flexiblestent.

FIG. 3B is a top view of stent 30. In one embodiment, stent 30 isproduced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form thestent architecture.

FIG. 3C illustrates stent 30 in its collapsed configuration. Due to theinventive arrangement of stent elements R₁-R₄ and U₁-U₂, the variousshapes and curves of the stent cells fit together in a coordinatedfashion, thereby providing a very small profile and facilitatingcollapse (or in the case of a balloon expandable stent, crimping) of thestent to a collapsed configuration. It is noted that the collapsedconfiguration of stents 10 and 20, although not shown herein, appearvery similar to the collapsed configuration of stent 30 with respect tothe stent elements R₁-R₄ and U₁-U₂.

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate stent 40 with the same repeating stent elementsR₁-R₄ and U₁-U₂ as stent 10; however, stent 40 utilizes connectors C₁,C₂ and C₃. In particular, the stent cells along the two endcircumferential axes at both ends of the stent 40 are in the sameconfiguration as stent 20, and the stent cells along the circumferentialaxes therebetween are connected by connectors C₃. FIG. 4B is a top viewof stent 40. In one embodiment, stent 40 is produced from a metal orpolymer tube that is laser machined to form the stent architecture. FIG.4C is a top view of stent 42, which is the stent architecture of stent40 with the addition of receiving members extending from each of theopposing ends of the stent 40, as described above in connection withFIGS. 2A-B.

FIG. 5A illustrates stent 50, which is similar to stent 40, but insteadof the connectors C₃ being attached at about the second radius portionr₂ of stent elements R₁-R₄, they are attached at about the third radiusportion r₃. Also, stent 50 includes receiving members 22 extending fromeach of the opposing ends of the stent 50, as described above inconnection with FIGS. 2A-B. FIG. 5B is a top view of stent 50. In oneembodiment, stent 50 is produced from a metal or polymer tube that islaser machined to form the stent architecture. FIG. 5C is a top view ofstent 52, which is the stent architecture of stent 50 without thereceiving members extending from the opposing ends.

FIGS. 6A-D illustrates stent 60 with a stent architecture having stentelements different from those of stents 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 shown inFIGS. 1-5. That is, instead of R-shaped and U-shaped stent elements,stent 60 includes v-shaped stent elements v₁-v₄, indicated in thedrawings as v₁-v₄, each of which include a first leg portion parallel tothe longitudinal axis L, a peak portion, and a second leg portion angledwith respect to the longitudinal axis, and V-shaped stent elementsV₁-V₂. Beginning from the top left side of FIG. 6A, a repeating seriesof stent elements is shown along a first side 66 of the stent cells 62and 64. The stent elements v₁, v₂, v₃, v₄ are similar in shape but areoriented differently from one another with respect to a circumferentialaxis and/or a longitudinal axis. The stent elements V₁ and V₂ are facingin opposite directions with respect to a circumferential axis L. Thesame repeating series of stent elements (arranged identically withrespect to the circumferential axis A₁ and longitudinal axis L) proceedsalong a second side 68 of the stent cells 62 and 64, but is offset suchthat the sequence begins with stent element v₃ which is directlyadjacent v₁ of the series along the first side 66. Thus, beginning fromthe top of FIG. 6A along second side 68, the series of stent elements isv₃, v₄, V₂, V₁, v₂, V₁, v₃, etc. The first side 66 is connected to thesecond side 68 via connectors C₃. Stent element v₁ of the first side 66is connected to stent element v₃ of the second side 68 at each instancealong the circumferential axis A₁ in which stent elements v₁ and v₃ areadjacent one another. The connectors C₃ are attached to the stentelements v₁ and v₃ at about a peak portion thereof to align with thefirst leg portion thereof that is parallel to the longitudinal axis L.In stent 60, the connectors C₃ have a width equal to the width of thefirst leg portions of v₁ and v₃. The side of stent elements adjacent tothe second side 68 (toward the middle of the stent 60) are connected tothe second side 68 in the same manner, that is stent elements v₁ and v₃are connected by connectors C₃ at locations where the peak portion of v₁is adjacent the peak portion of v₃. This pattern continues down thelength of the stent 60.

It is noted that stent elements v₂ and v₄ are not connected to oneanother by a connector when the peak portions thereof are adjacent oneanother. In other embodiments, these peak portions are connected by aconnector, for example one of connectors C₁, C₂ or C₃. In yet otherembodiments, instead of stent 60 including only connectors C₃, one orboth of connectors C₁ and C₂ could be utilized (see, e.g. FIGS. 9A-C).In still other embodiments, the connectors could connect V₁ and V₂instead of, or in addition to connecting v₁ and v₃ and/or v₂ and v₄. Forexample, in one embodiment, a straight connector could connect V₁ and V₂at locations where the peak portions thereof are facing away from eachother (i.e., across stent cell 62). It is also noted that, in theembodiment shown, the peak portions of the stent elements v₁-v₄ arelongitudinally spaced a distance D₃ from the peak portions of V₁ and V₂,which in one embodiment at a diameter of about 6 mm is in the range fromabout 0.010 inch to about 0.020 inch, for example about 0.015 inch. Inother embodiments, the peak portions are circumferentially aligned.

FIG. 6B is a top view of stent 60. In one embodiment, stent 60 isproduced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form thestent architecture. In one embodiment, stent 60 has a diameter of about6 mm and a thickness of about 0.0085 inch post electro-polishing. In anembodiment in which stent 60 is covered by one or more graft layers,stent 60 can be expanded to a larger diameter for covering with thegraft layer(s), can be covered with the graft layer(s) at the as-cutdiameter, or can be crimped to a smaller diameter for covering with thegraft layer(s), following post processing steps such as, for example,electro-polishing. The foregoing embodiments are equally applicable toeach of the stent architectures described herein.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-D, the width of selected portions of thestent elements v₁-v₄ is tapered to a narrowed width for stent elementsV₁-V₂ to promote uniform expansion of the stent. As discussed above,such uniform expansion is preferable, for example, for stents covered bygraft material to avoid tearing or deformation of the graft materialupon deployment. In other embodiments, the thickness of selected stentelements is reduced instead of, or in conjunction with, the tapered andnarrowed of the widths thereof. In FIG. 6C, widths w₆-w₉ are shown atdifferent locations on the strut cells. Width w₆ is at the beginning ofsecond leg portion of stent element v₂, width w₇ is along the length offirst leg portion of stent elements v₁ and v₂, width w₈ is at a sectionof stent element V₁, and width w₉ is at a section of connector C₃. Inthe embodiment shown, the widths of w₆, w₇, and w₉ are the same, and thewidth of w₈ is less than the widths of w₆, w₇, and w₉. It is noted thatthe first leg portions and peak portions of stent elements v₁-v₄ havethe same width along the length thereof (i.e., w₆, w₇), but second legportions of each of stent elements v₁-v₄ taper from width w₆ to width w₈along the length thereof. In one embodiment, which could be used in avessel diameter of about 5 mm to about 15 mm, the widths of w₆, w₇ andw₉ are in the range from about 0.0070 inch to about 0.0120 inch, forexample about 0.0095 inch, and the width at w8 is in the range fromabout 0.0040 inch to about 0.0090 inch, for example about 0.0065 inch.For smaller or larger vessels, dimensions can be accordingly smaller orlarger.

FIGS. 7A-C illustrates stent 70 with a stent architecture includingv-shaped stent elements v₁-v₄, indicated in the drawings as v₁-v₄, eachof which include a first leg portion parallel to the longitudinal axisL, a peak portion, and a second leg portion angled with respect to thelongitudinal axis, and V-shaped stent elements V₁-V₂. Beginning from thetop left side of FIG. 7A, a repeating series of stent elements is shownalong a first side 76 of the stent cells 72 and 74. The stent elementsv₁, v₂, v₃, v₄ are similar in shape but are oriented differently fromone another with respect to a circumferential axis and/or a longitudinalaxis. The stent elements V₁ and V₂ are facing in opposite directionswith respect to a circumferential axis L. The same repeating series ofstent elements (arranged identically with respect to the circumferentialaxis A₁ and longitudinal axis L) proceeds along a second side 78 of thestent cells 72 and 74, but is offset such that the sequence begins withstent element v₃ which is directly adjacent v₁ of the series along thefirst side 76. Thus, beginning from the top of FIG. 7A along second side78, the series of stent elements is v₃, v₄, V₂, V₁, v₂, V₁, v₃, etc. Thefirst side 76 is connected to the second side 78 via connectors C₃.Stent element v₁ of the first side 76 is connected to stent element v₃of the second side 78 at each instance along the circumferential axis A₁in which stent elements v₁ and v₃ are adjacent one another. Theconnectors C₃ are attached to the stent elements v₁ and v₃ at about apeak portion thereof to align with the first leg portion thereof that isparallel to the longitudinal axis L. In stent 70, the connectors C₃ havea width equal to the width of the first leg portions of v₁ and v₃. Theside of stent elements adjacent to the second side 78 (toward the middleof the stent 70) are connected to the second side 78 in the same manner,that is stent elements v₁ and v₃ are connected by connectors C₃ atlocations where the peak portion of v₁ is adjacent the peak portion ofv₃. This pattern continues down the length of the stent 70.

It is noted that stent elements v₂ and v₄ are not connected to oneanother by a connector when the peak portions thereof are adjacent oneanother. In other embodiments, these peak portions are connected by aconnector. In yet other embodiments, instead of stent 70 including onlyconnectors C₃, other connector types could be utilized. In still otherembodiments, the connectors could connect V₁ and V₂ instead of, or inaddition to connecting v₁ and v₃ and/or v₂ and v₄. For example, in oneembodiment, a straight connector could connect V₁ and V₂ at locationswhere the peak portions thereof are facing away from each other (i.e.,across stent cell 72). In one embodiment, the peaks connected by one ormore of the connectors C₃ could be touching, such that the effectivelength of one or more of the connectors C₃ is zero.

FIG. 7B is a top view of stent 70. FIG. 7D is an isometric view of stent70. In one embodiment, stent 70 is produced from a metal or polymer tubethat is laser machined to form the stent architecture. In oneembodiment, stent 70 has a diameter of about 6 mm and a thickness ofabout 0.0085 inch post electro-polishing. In an embodiment in whichstent 70 is covered by one or more graft layers, stent 70 can beexpanded to a larger diameter for covering with the graft layer(s), canbe covered with the graft layer(s) at the as-cut diameter, or can becrimped to a smaller diameter for covering with the graft layer(s),following post processing steps such as, for example, electro-polishing.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-C, the width of selected portions of thestent elements v₁-v₄ is tapered to a narrowed width for stent elementsV₁-V₂ to promote uniform expansion of the stent. In other embodiments,the thickness of selected stent elements is reduced instead of, or inconjunction with, the tapered and narrowed of the widths thereof. InFIG. 7C, widths w₆-w₉ are shown at different locations on the strutcells. Width w₆ is at the beginning of second leg portion of stentelement v₂, width w₇ is along the length of first leg portion of stentelements v₁ and v₂, width w₈ is at a section of stent element V₁, andwidth w₉ is at a section of connector C₃. In the embodiment shown, thewidths of w₆, w₇, and w₉ are the same, and the width of w₈ is less thanthe widths of w₆, w₇, and w₉. It is noted that the first leg portionsand peak portions of stent elements v₁-v₄ have the same width along thelength thereof (i.e., w₆, w₇), but second leg portions of each of stentelements v₁-v₄ taper from width w₆ to width w₈ along the length thereof.In one embodiment, which could be used in a vessel diameter of about 5mm to about 15 mm, the widths of w₆, w₇ and w₉ are in the range fromabout 0.0070 inch to about 0.0120 inch, for example about 0.0095 inch,and the width at w8 is in the range from about 0.0040 inch to about0.0090 inch, for example about 0.0065 inch. For smaller or largervessels, dimensions can be accordingly smaller or larger.

In FIG. 7C, the peak portions of the stent elements v₁-v₄ are shownlongitudinally spaced a distance D₃ from the peak portions of V₁ and V₂,which in one embodiment at a diameter of about 6 mm is in the range fromabout 0.005 inch to about 0.035 inch, for example about 0.018 inch. Inother embodiments, the peak portions are circumferentially aligned. Alsoin FIG. 7C, the peak portions of the stent elements v₂ and v₄ are shownlongitudinally spaced, respectively, a distance D₄ from the peakportions of the stent elements v₃ and v₁, which in one embodiment at adiameter of about 6 mm is in the range from about 0.005 inch to about0.035 inch, for example about 0.012 inch. The distance D₄ providesincreased spacing for the unconnected peaks to allow additional room forexpansion to better ensure that the unconnected peaks don't come intocontact during delivery and/or deployment.

FIGS. 8A-B show stent 80 with a stent architecture formed by a series ofzig-zag rings formed from stent elements z₁-z₄ in the form of straightstrut members positioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis L andconnected together by peak portions p₁-p₄, where stent element z₁ isconnected to stent element z₂ by peak portion p₁, stent element z₂ isconnected to stent element z₃ by peak portion p₂, stent element z₃ isconnected to stent element z₄ by peak portion p₃, and stent element z₄is connected to stent element z₁ by peak portion p₄. Adjacent zing-zagrings of repeating stent elements z₁-z₄ and p₁-p₄ are connected togetherby connectors C₃ to form stent cells 84 and 86. It is noted that thestent cells have the same shape along a given circumferential axis, andthe stent cells along one circumferential axis are different from thoseof an adjacent circumferential axis. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8A, thestent cells 84 formed through the connection of zig-zag ring 81 tozig-zag ring 82 are the same along circumferential axis A₁, but differfrom the stent cells 86 along circumferential axis A₂ formed through theconnection of zig-zag ring 82 to zig-zag ring 83. The different shapesof stent cells 84 and 86 are produced via an offset of stent elements inthe zig-zag rings along a circumferential axis and by “flipping” thestent elements from one zig-zag ring to the next. Thus, zig-zag ring 82is the mirror image of zig-zag ring 81 and is offset such that the peakportion p₃ of zig-zag ring 81 is connected to the peak portion p₁ ofzig-zag ring 82, and zig-zag ring 83 is the mirror image of zig-zag ring82 (i.e., the same orientation as zig-zag ring 81) and is offset suchthat the peak portion p₂ of zig-zag ring 82 is connected to the peakportion p₄ of zig-zag ring 83. This pattern repeats down the length ofthe stent 80.

It is notable that a line drawn through connectors C₃ along thelongitudinal axis L is slightly angled with respect thereto asillustrated by path P₁ and path P₂. In one embodiment, the width ofstent elements z₁ and z₂ taper in a direction toward peak portion p₁,which has a relatively smaller width, while the width of stent elementsz₃ and z₄ is constant along the length thereof and is the same as thewidth of peak portions p₂, p₃, and p₄. In one embodiment, the width ofstent elements z₃, z₄ and peak portions p₂, p₃, and p₄ is in the rangefrom about 0.0050 inch to about 0.0100 inch, for example about 0.0075inch, and the width of peak portion p₁ is in the range from about 0.0040inch to about 0.0070 inch, for example about 0.0055 inch. In oneembodiment, the width of connectors C₃ is the same as the width of peakportion p₁. For smaller or larger vessels, dimensions can be accordinglysmaller or larger.

FIG. 8B is a top view of stent 80. In one embodiment, stent 80 isproduced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form thestent architecture.

FIGS. 9A-C illustrates stent 90 with the stent architecture of stent 60,but with connectors C₁ and C₂ rather than connectors C₃. As with stent60, stent 90 includes v-shaped stent elements v₁-v₄, indicated in thedrawings as v₁-v₄, each of which include a first leg portion parallel tothe longitudinal axis L, a peak portion, and a second leg portion angledwith respect to the longitudinal axis, and V-shaped stent elementsV₁-V₂. Beginning from the top left side of FIG. 9A, a repeating seriesof stent elements is shown along a first side 95 of the stent cells 92and 94. The stent elements v₁, v₂, v₃, v₄ are similar in shape but areoriented differently from one another with respect to a circumferentialaxis and/or a longitudinal axis. The stent elements V₁ and V₂ are facingin opposite directions with respect to a circumferential axis L. Thesame repeating series of stent elements (arranged identically withrespect to the circumferential axis A₁ and longitudinal axis L) proceedsalong a second side 97 of the stent cells 92 and 94, but is offset suchthat the sequence begins with stent element v₃ which is directlyadjacent v₁ of the series along the first side 96. Thus, beginning fromthe top of FIG. 9A along second side 97, the series of stent elements isv₃, v₄, V₂, V₁, v₂, V₁, v₃, etc. The first side 95 is connected to thesecond side 97 via connectors C₁. The repeating series of stent elementsalong a third side 99 is the same as that of the first side 95. Thethird side 99 is connected to the second side 97 via connectors C₂.

It is noted that the connectors are the same along the circumferentialaxes A₁ and A₂ (either connectors C₁ or C₂) and the rows of connectorsalternate along the length of the stent 90. Stent element v₁ of thefirst side 95 is connected to stent element v₃ of the second side 97 ateach instance along the circumferential axis A₁ in which stent elementsv₁ and v₃ are adjacent one another. The connectors C₁ are attached tothe stent elements v₁ and v₃ at about a peak portion thereof to alignwith the first leg portion thereof that is parallel to the longitudinalaxis L. The third side 99 is connected to the second side 97 in the samemanner, that is stent elements v₁ and v₃ are connected by connectors C₂at locations where the peak portion of v₁ is adjacent the peak portionof v₃. This pattern continues down the length of the stent 90. It isalso noted that, in the embodiment shown, the peak portions of the stentelements v₁-v₄ are longitudinally spaced a distance D₃ from the peakportions of V₁ and V₂, which in one embodiment is in the range fromabout 0.010 inch to about 0.020 inch, for example about 0.015 inch. Inother embodiments, the peak portions are circumferentially aligned.

FIG. 9B is a top view of stent 90. In one embodiment, stent 90 isproduced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form thestent architecture. In one embodiment, stent 90 has a diameter of about6 mm and a thickness of about 0.0085 inch post electro-polishing. In anembodiment in which stent 90 is covered by one or more graft layers,stent 90 can be expanded to a larger diameter for covering with thegraft layer(s), can be covered with the graft layer(s) at the cutdiameter, or can be crimped to a smaller diameter for covering with thegraft layer(s), following post processing steps such as, for example,electro-polishing.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-C, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-D, thewidth of selected portions of the stent elements v₁-v₄ is tapered to anarrowed width for stent elements V ₁-V₂ to promote uniform expansion ofthe stent. In other embodiments, the thickness of selected stentelements is reduced instead of, or in conjunction with, the tapered andnarrowed of the widths thereof. In FIG. 9C, widths w₆-w₉ are shown atdifferent locations on the strut cells. Width w₆ is at the beginning ofsecond leg portion of stent element v₂, width w₇ is along the length offirst leg portion of stent elements v₁ and v₂, width w₈ is at a sectionof stent element V₁, and width w₉ is at a section of connector C₁. Inthe embodiment shown, the widths of w₆ and w₇ are the same, the width ofw₈ is less than the widths of w₆ and w₇, and the width of w₉ is lessthan the widths of w₆, w₇, and w₈. It is noted that the first legportions and peak portions of stent elements v₁-v₄ have the same widthalong the length thereof (i.e., w₆, w₇), but second leg portions of eachof stent elements v₁-v₄ taper from width w₆ to width w₈ along the lengththereof. In one embodiment, which could be used in a vessel diameter ofabout 5 mm to about 15 mm, the widths of w₆ and w₇ are in the range fromabout 0.0070 inch to about 0.0120 inch, for example about 0.0095 inch,the width at w₈ is in the range from about 0.0040 inch to about 0.0090inch, for example about 0.0065 inch, and the width at w₉ is in the rangefrom about 0.0020 inch to about 0.0060 inch, for example about 0.0040inch. For smaller or larger vessels, dimensions can be accordinglysmaller or larger.

FIGS. 10A-B show stent 100, which is a variation of stent 60, havingessentially the same stent architecture with the addition of zig-zagring rings 102 and 104 at opposing proximal and distal ends. The ziz-zagrings are formed from stent elements 106, 107 in the form of straightstrut members positioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis L andconnected together by peak portions 108 and 109. The zig-zag ring 102 isconnected to the stent cells at stent element v₃ in three locationsalong circumferential axis A₁, and zig-zag ring 104 is connected to thestent cells at stent element v₁ in three locations along circumferentialaxis A₂. In other embodiments, the zig-zag rings 102 and 104 could beconnected at other locations along the stent cells.

FIG. 10B is a top view of stent 100. In one embodiment, stent 100 isproduced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form thestent architecture.

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate stent 110 that has the same repeating stentelements R₁-R₄ and U₁-U₂ as stent 30; however, stent 110 differs fromstent 30 with respect to the connectors. Whereas stent 30 includesstraight connectors C₃, which connect stent element R₁ to stent elementR₃ and connect stent element R₂ to stent element R₄ at about the secondradius portion r₂, stent 110 includes straight connectors C₄ thatconnect stent element U₁ to stent element U₂ when stent elements U₁ andU₂ on adjacent sides/series, such as sides/series 112 and 114, facetoward one another. In another embodiment, the straight connectors C₄connect stent element U₁ to stent element U₂ when stent elements U₁ andU₂ on adjacent sides/series, such as sides/series 112 and 114, face awayfrom one another. In yet another embodiment, the straight connectors C₄connect all stent elements U₁ to all stent elements U₂ on adjacentsides/series (i.e., both those that face toward one another and thosethat face away from one another). In one embodiment, the width ofconnectors C₄ are in the range of about 0.0050 inch to about 0.0100inch, for example about 0.0075 inch.). In one embodiment, the length ofconnectors C₄ are in the range of about 1.7 mm to about 2.1 mm, forexample about 1.9 mm. It should be appreciated that the widths and/orlengths of the connectors C₄ could vary along one or morecircumferential axes and/or along one or more longitudinal axes,depending on the desired characteristics. For example, the width may beincreased for a more rigid stent and decreased for a more flexiblestent. It should also be appreciated that the width of individualconnectors C₄ could vary along the length thereof, for instancenarrowing from one or both sides connecting the stent elements U₁-U₂toward the middle of the connector C₄, or alternatively increasing inwidth from one or both sides connecting the stent elements U₁-U₂ towardthe middle of the connector C₄.

Stent 110 includes receiving members 122 extending from each of theopposing ends of stent 110, the members 122 extending from each stentelement U₂ (e.g., as shown, six total, three from each side). In oneembodiment, the members 122 extend from less than all of the stentelements U₂ at one or both ends of stent 110. In one embodiment, themembers 122 extend instead from one or more stent elements U₁ at one orboth ends of stent 110. In one embodiment, the members 122 extend fromone or more of both stent elements U₁ and U₂ at one or both ends ofstent 110. Such alternate embodiments for the number and positioning ofreceiving members 122 are also contemplated with respect to receivingmembers 22 of FIGS. 2A-B and other stent architectures described herein.The receiving members 122 include a post portion a post portion 124 andan enlarged portion 126 at the end of the member 122 remote from thestent element U₂. The enlarged portion 126 includes a bore or opening128 sized to receive a radiopaque element therein formed from gold,tantalum, platinum, tungsten, and/or other suitable radiopaquematerials. In one embodiment, the width of the post portion 124 of thereceiving members 122 is about 0.0095 inch, and the diameter of the boreor opening 128 is about 0.0145. The receiving members 122 have a lengthsuch that the end thereof generally aligns circumferentially with theoutermost end of the stent elements at each opposing end of stent 110.By aligning the outermost ends of the stent elements and receivingmembers, in an embodiment including one or more graft layers, the graftlayer(s) can be in the form of a tube without altering the ends thereof,the receiving members supporting the tubular ends of the graft layer(s)upon collapse and/or expansion of the stent. It is noted that thereceiving members of FIGS. 11A-B could be incorporated into any of theother stent architectures described herein.

FIG. 11B is a top view of stent 110. In one embodiment, stent 110 isproduced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form thestent architecture.

While the invention has been described in terms of particular variationsand illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the invention is not limited to the variations or figuresdescribed. For example, in any of the described stent architectures, thewidth, length and/or thickness of the stent elements and/or connectorsmay be varied to enhance desired performance. In addition, where methodsand steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certainorder, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that theordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modificationsare in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally,certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel processwhen possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above.Therefore, to the extent there are variations of the invention, whichare within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the inventionsfound in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover thosevariations as well.

What is claimed is:
 1. An intraluminal prosthesis, comprising: a stentarchitecture comprising: a series of stent elements repeating along acircumferential axis, the stent elements including: v-shaped stentelements having a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a peakportion, the v-shaped stent elements having at least four differentorientations, and V-shaped stent elements connecting adjacent v-shapedstent elements such that the second leg portion of each of the v-shapedstent elements is connected to a V-shaped element, the second legportion of each of the v-shaped stent elements narrowing in width towardthe V-shaped stent element.
 2. The intraluminal prosthesis according toclaim 1, further comprising one or more graft layers attached to thestent architecture.
 3. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 2,wherein the one or more graft layers include an inner ePTFE graft layerand an outer ePTFE graft layer.
 4. The intraluminal prosthesis accordingto claim 3, wherein the inner ePTFE graft layer and the outer ePTFEgraft layer are positioned over the stent architecture as extruded tubesof unsintered ePTFE, and wherein the inner ePTFE graft layer and theouter ePTFE graft layer are sintered together through openings in thestent architecture.
 5. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 1,wherein the first leg portion of each of the v-shaped stent elements isparallel to a longitudinal axis of the prosthesis.
 6. The intraluminalprosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the stent architecturecomprises a plurality of series of stent elements, adjacent series ofstent elements connected by a plurality of connectors.
 7. Theintraluminal prosthesis according to claim 6, wherein the plurality ofconnectors are straight and connect peak portions of select v-shapedstent elements of adjacent series of stent elements.
 8. The intraluminalprosthesis according to claim 7, wherein the connectors have a widthequal to a width of the first leg portion of the v-shaped stentelements.
 9. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 1, whereinthe peak portion of a first orientation of the v-shaped stent element islongitudinally spaced a distance from the peak portion of a secondorientation of the v-shaped stent element, wherein the first orientationand second orientation are adjacent to one another.
 10. The intraluminalprosthesis according to claim 9, further comprising a third orientationof the v-shaped stent element and a fourth orientation of the v-shapedstent element, wherein the peak portion of each of the four orientationsof the v-shaped stent element is longitudinally spaced a distance fromthe peak portion of its adjacent v-shaped stent element.
 11. Theintraluminal prosthesis according to claim 9, wherein the distance is inthe range from about 0.005 inch to about 0.035 inch.
 12. An intraluminalprosthesis, comprising: a stent architecture comprising: a plurality ofstent cells, including a series of stent elements repeating along acircumferential axis, the stent elements including: R-shaped stentelements having at least four different orientations, the R-shaped stentelements having at least a first straight portion, and U-shaped stentelements having at least two different orientations, the U-shaped stentelements connecting adjacent R-shaped stent elements such that the firststraight portion of each of the R-shaped stent elements is connected toa U-shaped stent element, the first straight portion of each of theR-shaped stent elements narrowing in width toward the U-shaped stentelement.
 13. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 12, whereinthe R-shaped stent elements include at least first, second, third andfourth curved radius portions.
 14. The intraluminal prosthesis accordingto claim 12, wherein the plurality of stent cells includes a first stentcell and a second stent cell different from the first stent cell, thefirst and second stent cells alternating along the circumferential axis.15. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 12, wherein theR-shaped stent elements include a first R-shaped stent element in afirst orientation, a second R-shaped stent element in a secondorientation different from the first orientation, a third R-shaped stentelement oriented in a third orientation different from the first andsecond orientations, and a fourth R-shaped stent element in a fourthorientation different from the first, second, and third orientations.16. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 15, wherein theU-shaped stent elements include a first U-shaped stent element in afirst orientation and a second U-shaped stent element oriented in asecond orientation different from the first orientation.
 17. Theintraluminal prosthesis according to claim 16, wherein the firstR-shaped stent element is connected to the second U-shaped stent elementand the second R-shaped stent element, wherein the second R-shaped stentelement is connected to the first R-shaped stent element and the firstU-shaped stent element, wherein the first U-shaped stent element isconnected to the second R-shaped stent element and the third R-shapedstent element, wherein the third R-shaped stent element is connected tothe first U-shaped stent element and the fourth R-shaped stent element,and wherein the fourth R-shaped stent element is connected to the thirdR-shaped stent element and the second U-shaped stent element.
 18. Theintraluminal prosthesis according to claim 16, wherein the stentarchitecture further comprises a plurality of connectors connectingadjacent series of stent elements, the connectors connecting the firstU-shaped stent element in a first series of stent elements to the secondU-shaped stent element in a second adjacent series of stent elements.19. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 15, wherein the stentarchitecture further comprises a plurality of connectors connectingadjacent series of stent elements, the connectors connecting the firstR-shaped stent element in a first series of stent elements to the thirdR-shaped stent element in a second adjacent series of stent elements.20. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 19, wherein theconnectors further connect the fourth R-shaped stent element in thefirst series of stent elements to the second R-shaped stent element inthe second adjacent series of stent elements.